Three representatives of Albania’s National Chamber of Advocacy met with members of the High Judicial Council (HJC) on Thursday, seeking intervention to resolve an ongoing dispute between lawyers and the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO).

During the meeting, the lawyers called for guarantees to ensure the free exercise of their profession and for the necessary conditions to be established for court hearings to proceed normally.

The dispute centers on new regulations introduced by GJKKO President Erion Bani, which the National Chamber of Advocacy opposes over restrictions affecting lawyers and the media. Among the contested measures is a ban on carrying mobile phones during court hearings.

HJC members heard the concerns raised by the lawyers and are expected to hold discussions with the Special Court’s leadership in an effort to find a solution and restore the normal functioning of judicial proceedings.

The lawyers’ boycott, which began on September 1, has led to widespread disruptions at GJKKO. According to publicly released figures, 462 hearings have been postponed or failed to proceed during the period, while only 24 have been held.

The standoff continues to disrupt court proceedings as efforts are expected to focus on resolving the dispute between the legal profession and the Special Court.